Kings Make It Six Straight Home Wins after Defeating 76ers

by Matt George 

The Sacramento Kings have enjoyed tremendous success at home recently, winning their fifth straight game inside the Golden 1 Center after routing the Atlanta Hawks on Wesnesday. Saturday, the second game of six straight at home, Sacramento welcomed in the Philadelphia 76ers, who were coming off a big win against the Golden State Warriors Thursday. Aware of Philly’s success this season, and hungry to continue their home streak, the Kings withstood multiple Sixer pushes, completing a statement 115-108 win.

“We are happy to win. Saw a lot of positive things tonight,” said Kings head coach Dave Joerger, “I thought Iman Shumpert did a fantastic job on Jimmy Butler tonight, who made some amazing shots”.

Indeed, Jimmy Butler did all he could to give Philadelphia the win, including a pair of four-point plays and a big three that put the Sixers up by two late. But Buddy Hield and the Sacramento Kings, who led by 13 at one point, weren’t to be denied. Hield finished with a game-high 34 points including seven three-pointers. He has a new career high of threes in a single season, with 180 already through 52 games.

“I’ve been shooting the ball all my life,” said Hield, “I’m just competing to be the best shooter in the league…”.

“I was sitting there last night wondering, ‘when is Buddy going to have a 40; when is Buddy going to have a 50,’ and there are more to come I’m hoping” said Joerger.

Willie Cauley-Stein finished with 19 points and nine rebounds, earning praise from his head coach and teammates for his effort tonight on the Joel Embiid.

“Willie Cauley-Stein had another terrific game,” said Joerger, “I’m really happy for him, because that’s a tough matchup, and all you can try to do is just keep working hard against a great player like that and he did”.

“He played Joel really well last year. It’s just really great to see him play like that, not just offensively but defensively” said De’Aaron Fox

“For most of the game we just kept him out of the circle where he dominates,” said Cauley-Stein.

Embiid still had himself a night, scoring 29 points and grabbing 17 rebounds.

“I just told Marvin I don’t even have to get boards. I’ll just box out, you go get it,” said Cauley-Stein.

Marvin Bagley finished with another double-double, battling through a rough shooting night to earn 14 points and 13 rebounds.

The Sacramento Kings are now 19-2 when they have a lead heading into the fourth quarter. Saturday’s win gives them 27 on the season, equaling their total last year. They look to continue their hot streak on Monday when they welcome in the San Antonio Spurs.

Oh yeah, and with the win, the Sacramento Kings are now the Linear Champions. Listen to KHTK’s “The Lo-Down” Monday through Friday from 12pm to 3pm for more information.

 

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